Treatment Overview
Vaginal Microbiome Fertility Screening is a specialized diagnostic test that analyzes the bacterial ecosystem within the vagina and uterus, assessing its impact on fertility, implantation, and pregnancy outcomes. A healthy vaginal microbiome — dominated by Lactobacillus species — plays a critical role in maintaining optimal pH, protecting against infections, and supporting a receptive environment for sperm and embryos.
In Korea, fertility clinics offer next-generation microbiome sequencing (NGS) and quantitative molecular testing to evaluate the balance of beneficial and harmful bacteria within the reproductive tract. This cutting-edge analysis helps identify microbial imbalances, chronic endometrial inflammation, or hidden infections that can lead to infertility, miscarriage, or IVF failure.
Korean reproductive specialists integrate microbiome screening with genetic, hormonal, and immunologic diagnostics, providing a holistic and personalized approach to reproductive wellness.
Purpose & Benefits
The purpose of Vaginal Microbiome Fertility Screening is to detect imbalances or pathogenic microorganisms that may interfere with conception, implantation, or early pregnancy.
Key Benefits Include:
- Evaluates vaginal and uterine microbial health for fertility optimization
- Detects harmful bacteria or biofilms associated with chronic endometritis or BV (bacterial vaginosis)
- Identifies Lactobacillus dominance, a key marker for healthy fertility
- Improves implantation and IVF success rates by restoring microbial balance
- Provides personalized probiotic or antibiotic treatment based on results
- Minimally invasive and highly accurate using molecular-level sequencing
- Enhances uterine receptivity and overall reproductive wellness
Korean fertility centers have pioneered microbiome integration into IVF and fertility programs, aligning biological science with precision reproductive care.
Ideal Candidates
Vaginal Microbiome Fertility Screening is recommended for:
- Women with repeated implantation failure (RIF) or recurrent miscarriage
- Couples facing unexplained infertility despite normal fertility tests
- Patients with a history of chronic vaginal infections, BV, or endometritis
- Women preparing for IVF or embryo transfer
- Patients with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or prior gynecologic surgery
- Women with irregular vaginal discharge, odor, or discomfort
- Fertility patients seeking comprehensive pre-IVF evaluation
This test is especially useful for identifying hidden microbial imbalances that standard fertility testing may overlook.
Possible Risks & Complications
Vaginal microbiome testing is non-invasive and low-risk, typically involving a simple vaginal or endometrial swab.
Possible minor side effects include:
- Mild discomfort during swab collection
- Light spotting (rare)
- Temporary sensitivity or irritation
Korean fertility clinics ensure pain-free sampling and sterile procedures, providing world-class patient safety and comfort.
Diagnostic Techniques Used
Korean fertility centers use molecular diagnostics and next-generation sequencing to precisely identify and quantify microorganisms in the vaginal and uterine environments.
Common Techniques Include:
- 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing: Detects all bacterial species present in the sample.
- Quantitative PCR (qPCR): Measures specific bacteria such as Lactobacillus crispatus and Gardnerella vaginalis.
- Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS): Provides a comprehensive microbial profile for advanced interpretation.
- Endometrial Microbiome Analysis (EMMA): Assesses the uterine microbial community and its receptivity for embryo implantation.
- ALICE Test (Analysis of Infectious Chronic Endometritis): Detects pathogenic bacteria causing chronic inflammation in the uterus.
- pH and Lactobacillus Dominance Index Testing: Evaluates local environment for healthy fertility function.
Korean laboratories combine these tests into personalized microbiome fertility panels, ensuring both precision and actionable treatment strategies.
Recovery & Aftercare
Since the procedure involves only a swab collection, no downtime or recovery period is required.
Aftercare Guidelines:
- Avoid vaginal douching or intercourse 24 hours before and after the test.
- Follow prescribed antibiotic or probiotic therapy based on results.
- Maintain healthy vaginal hygiene and balanced nutrition.
- Schedule a follow-up consultation to assess microbial restoration before conception or IVF.
Korean fertility clinics often combine this with nutritional and lifestyle counseling, enhancing natural microbiome balance and fertility readiness.
Results & Interpretation
Vaginal Microbiome Fertility Screening provides a detailed map of the microbial community composition, allowing specialists to identify imbalances or infections that could affect fertility.
Typical Result Interpretations:
- Lactobacillus-dominant microbiome: Indicates healthy vaginal and uterine environment for conception.
- Reduced Lactobacillus or elevated anaerobes: Suggests bacterial imbalance or dysbiosis.
- Presence of pathogenic bacteria (e.g., Gardnerella, Ureaplasma, Mycoplasma): Associated with inflammation or implantation failure.
- Positive ALICE test: Indicates chronic endometritis requiring antibiotic or anti-inflammatory treatment.
- Normalized post-treatment microbiome: Significantly improves fertility and IVF outcomes.
Korean specialists use these results to design customized therapies, often combining targeted probiotics, antibiotics, and immunomodulatory treatments to restore reproductive microbiome balance.
Testing Process in Korea
Korea’s fertility and microbiome laboratories are internationally recognized for their technological innovation and precision diagnostics.
Typical Testing Process:
- Initial Consultation: Review of fertility history, prior IVF results, or infection symptoms.
- Sample Collection: Vaginal and/or endometrial swab obtained in a sterile clinical setting.
- Laboratory Analysis: DNA sequencing and microbial quantification performed using NGS or qPCR.
- Results Interpretation: Report generated detailing bacterial ratios, diversity index, and infection markers.
- Treatment & Follow-Up: Personalized care plan including microbial restoration therapy.
Why Korea is a Top Destination for Fertility Microbiome Testing:
- Access to state-of-the-art reproductive microbiome laboratories
- Integration of EMMA, ALICE, and ERA testing into fertility programs
- Experienced reproductive immunologists and microbiologists
- High IVF success rates linked to microbiome optimization
- Comprehensive, patient-focused international care
Korea’s leading fertility centers combine biotechnology and clinical expertise, offering unparalleled insight into the role of microbiome health in reproduction.
Cost Range
The cost of Vaginal Microbiome Fertility Screening in Korea varies depending on test type and analysis depth.
- Basic Vaginal Microbiome Test (qPCR): USD $200 – $400
- Comprehensive Vaginal Microbiome Sequencing (NGS): USD $500 – $800
- Endometrial Microbiome Test (EMMA + ALICE): USD $1,000 – $1,600
- Combined Microbiome + ERA Fertility Package: USD $1,800 – $2,500
Korean fertility clinics offer affordable, globally recognized microbiome diagnostics, often integrated with fertility treatment programs or IVF preparation packages.
Popular Clinics in Korea for Vaginal Microbiome Fertility Testing
CHA Fertility Center (Seoul): Global leader in reproductive genomics and microbiome-integrated IVF programs.
Maria Fertility Hospital: Offers comprehensive vaginal and endometrial microbiome screening as part of fertility evaluation.
MizMedi Women’s Hospital: Specializes in microbiome analysis and targeted probiotic therapy to enhance conception rates.
Seoul National University Hospital – Fertility Center: Renowned for microbiome-based fertility research and personalized reproductive medicine.
ID Women’s Health Center: Provides next-generation vaginal microbiome sequencing and infection management for fertility patients.
